The 106 constituencies on the coast in England and Wales are economically neglected areas of the country. In a narrative setting initiative Bacta is staging a fringe debate at the Labour Party Conference to reflect the on-going contributions being made by members at the seaside and demonstrate how, given the right regulatory and economic conditions, they can contribute to a pro-growth agenda.
Bacta will have a significant presence at this year’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, with senior representatives attending a wide programme of meetings with MPs, taking part in discussions, and hosting a dedicated fringe event.
The fringe – Coastal Futures: Labour’s Role in Seaside Renewal – will take place from 10am to 11am on Monday 29 September in the Anacta Hub. It is set to bring together senior parliamentarians, including Helena Dollimore MP (Hastings and Rye), Polly Billington MP (East Thanet), Irene Campbell MP (North Ayrshire and Arran) and others still to be confirmed. Jim McMahon MP, who had been expected to attend in his capacity as Local Government Minister, is no longer able to join following the recent reshuffle but an additional Labour frontbencher will be confirmed shortly. Bacta President Joseph Cullis will also be speaking at the fringe event, alongside another representative of the seaside economy.
The session will explore the role of Britain’s seaside towns in driving national economic growth, with a particular focus on how Bacta members are investing in the visitor economy, supporting jobs and sustaining coastal communities.
Allaster Gair, Director of Communications at Bacta, said: “Fringe events provide a unique opportunity to reach policymakers and thought leaders outside the formal conference hall. The future of coastal economies is a critical part of the growth debate, and we are delighted to be joined by MPs who represent seaside constituencies and who understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for local businesses.”
Bacta President Joseph Cullis added: “There are 106 constituencies along the coast in England and Wales, many facing deep-rooted economic challenges. While other industries have contracted or closed, Bacta members continue to buck the trend – investing from Blackpool to Brighton and from Weston-super-Mare to Clacton. We want to reset the narrative, show how vital our businesses are, and demonstrate the risks posed if costs rise further – particularly if MGD were to increase.”
The so-called Sea Wall constituencies are expected to be fiercely contested at the next General Election. Although historically Conservative-leaning, Labour’s 2024 landslide saw it capture 63 coastal seats. With Reform UK making gains and Nigel Farage targeting seaside communities, coastal voters will be pivotal once again.
As Polly Billington MP, chair of Labour’s coastal caucus, recently stated in an interview with PoliticsHome: “I am under no illusion that in four years’ time, coastal voters will want to feel the benefit of more money in their pockets and public services that work again – or they will simply go elsewhere.”
Speakers and participants true at the time of going to press.
Fighting for the seaside
Allaster Gair said…… “While other industries have contracted or closed, Bacta members continue to buck the trend – investing from Blackpool to Brighton and from Weston-super-Mare to Clacton. We want to reset the narrative, show how vital our businesses are, and demonstrate the risks posed if costs rise further – particularly if MGD were to increase……
